As part of United Way’s commitment to raise literacy level in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Public Schools, our K – 12 literacy programs, including FACTS, will come under the name Schools of Hope.

Schools of Hope schools provide all the materials for tutors. During times tutors are present, all are provided direct supervision by Schools of Hope coordinators to answer any questions and to guide tutors. Most provide a separate room designated specifically for Schools of Hope.

One Child.  30 Minutes.  Once a Week.

In just 30 minutes a week, volunteers can transform a child's life. Volunteer reading tutors are matched with children at 15 schools in Grand Rapids. 

They read together for 30 minutes each week during the school year. 

Web Site: www.waybetterunitedway.org/program-soh.php

We need volunteers who are free at these times: Evenings, Weekdays, Monthly, Weekends

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers: Adolescents (13-17), Young Adults (18-25), Adults (26-54), Adults (55+), Individual, Women's Leadership Council Member

Since 1980, Criminal Justice Chaplaincy (CJC) has been helping people whose lives are affected by crime. Children with parents who are involved in the criminal justice system need positive adult role models. Without intervention, these children are seven times more likely to become involved in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. In CJC’s Mentoring Friends program, volunteers are matched with a child of the same gender, and the volunteer develops a one-on-one friendship that encourages social and emotional growth in the child by engaging the child in fun, beneficial activities. Mentors meet with that child for one or more hours once a week for 9 months to a year.

Web Site: www.cjcministry.org

We need volunteers who are free at these times: Once a Week, Evenings, Weekends

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers: Adults (21+)

Camp Fire USA is a school based program which serves males and females in the Kent County area in grades K-8th. Camp Fire USA builds caring, confident youth and future leaders. Camp Fire USA works with seven schools in the area and mentors are needed at these schools between the hours of 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Volunteers assist students with their homework and school projects. Volunteers may be of high school age and older. There is no specific time requirement for mentoring as far as hours or months, but the volunteer must be consistent, even it is one hour every other week. Volunteers should not expect to meet with the same child every time. Individual who are interested in volunteering will undergo a background check and have an interview through Camp Fire USA, then volunteers are assigned to a school site and have a tour of the school building.

Web Site: www.campfireusawmc.org

We need volunteers who are free at these times: Monthly, Weekdays

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers: Adolescents (13-17), Young Adults (18-25), Adults (26-54), Adults (55+), Interns, Individual, Small Group (2-10), Women's Leadership Council Member

The Potter's House provides a Christ-centered education to children of all ethnic heritages and income levels, equipping them to serve God and society to their fullest potential.

The Potter's House offers an excellent academic program in an urban environment. Rooted in Biblical principles and values, The Potter's House encourages students to reach their full potential by maintaining a healthy spiritual, physical, social, and emotional life. The Potter's House challenges students and their families to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Potter's House promotes unity and reconciliation in the Roosevelt Park Community.

MENTORING

Outside of teachers, many of our high school students lack a positive role model. We began the mentoring program in an effort to change that trend. Would you be interested in coming alongside one of our students to provide an example and support in a variety of areas?

Web Site: www.pottershouseschool.org

We need volunteers who are free at these times: Evenings, Weekdays

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers: Young Adults (18-25), Adults (26-54), Adults (55+), Interns, Individual, Women's Leadership Council Member 

The YES program collaborates with ten Grand Rapids Public schools each year and offers scholarships to individual students in fourth through eighth grade for camps and other enrichment opportunities. Volunteers are needed to help youth in fourth and fifth grade select appropriate camps and help them make the transition to the camping experience in the summer. The volunteers are asked to remain an open source of communication for the two-year commitment making a minimum contact of once monthly. Activities and orientation opportunities are offered quarterly. An interview and criminal history check must be completed.

We need volunteers who are free at these times: Evenings, Weekends, Occasional

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers: Young Adults (18-25), Adults (26-54), Member Adults (55+), Individual, Women's Leadership Council Member